Who wins Tight End position?

Tight end has become an increasingly transitioning position in the NFL. Unfortunately, The Raiders have not had a dominate tight end since Zach Miller left a few seasons ago. They will need one as starting quarterback Matt Schaub utilized the tight end efficiently in Houston.

The talk of Jermichael Finley to the Raiders has settled down, but not due to the guys on the Roster. The Raiders currently have Mycheal Rivera who showcased a unique skill set last season. However, he has yet to showcase a consistent ability to be a consistent blocker necessary for the Raiders rushing attack.

Last season’s favorite, David Ausberry returns from injury hoping to finally piece it all together. Until now he has yet to prove himself as the starter.

Another name to keep an eye on is Nick Kasa. Last season’s rookie is relatively new to the position having played defense in College, so he can be a real darkhorse. However, with all the two tight end sets in the running game, Kasa can carve out a real niche.

Ausberry is my personal favorite, but who do you think will win?

Linebacker Corps, strength of Raiders

Khalil Mack heads an already strong group of Line Backers

Linebackers are no longer the prominent three down players they once were. With the use of more defensive backs and pass rushers the linebacker often gets lost in the shuffle.

Lucky for the Raiders, they have five starting caliber linebackers. The group should be the strength of the entire team after adding No. 5 pick Khalil Mack. Nick Roach played most of the Raiders snaps last season and should be more effective his second season playing middle line backer. Added, last season’s rookie sensation Sio Moore should also be pegged for another big season as a pass rusher and run stuffer.

Lost in the shuffle has been veteran Kevin Burnett. Burnett was the primary starter until the selection of Mack put him into a completion at either outside backer position. The veteran still offers value as a leader and pass rusher.

Miles Burris is also the dark horse of the group. Burris started as a rookie, but lost his last season due to injury. Burris should be in the mix as he possess a skill set and experience capable of playing inside or outside.

It is going to be very critical that the Raiders have their linebackers play at a high level. With the amount of solid quarterbacks and running backs on the Raiders’ schedule they will need the linebackers to be the strength of their defense.

This type of depth will be needed for the Raiders to be constant competetors. Each player can carve out a role as a pass rusher or in different downs, packages and situations. Plus linebackers have tremendous value on special teams as punt returns, kick off, kick return and etc.

Either way, the Raiders will need their linebackers to get better and develop chemistry headed into training camp

Training Camp: Reciever is Raiders’ biggest batlle

Denarius Moore works with coaches during O.T.A's

Without a dominate number one receiver, the Raiders need training camp to establish who will be their number one receiver. Veteran James Jones seems to be the favorite, well Rod Streater, the team’s incumbent leading receiver looks to break-out in only his third year. Combined with Denarrius Moore’s highlight reel play making ability, there should be a constant battle for playing time. Moore seems to have fallen out of favor with the team, but his ability to impact games could put him back into the limelight.

Also, last years’ mid-season star Andre Holmes should not be forgotten either as he caught more than 500 yards in only a season. Further, Cleveland Brown’s cast off Greg Little is another dark horse for some playing time.

In a passing league, you can never have enough receivers and competition among the top four receivers means the Raiders should successfully stretch the field with three and four receiver sets.

However, outside of those four, the competition gets even more difficult for the final one or two roster spots. Usually teams carry four to five receivers on their active roster, and may carry another one for a role on special teams.

Yet the Raiders will have tough cuts to make. Underrated receiver Mike Davis leads a group of undrafted free agents at the position. He played well at Texas and was a surprise free agent signing. He does have a combination of size and speed which make him a nice player for the future.

But the Raiders already have two developmental receivers on their roster. Juron Criner has the type of size you can not teach, and he has shown that in practice, but failed to do it on the field.

Brice Butler, last season’s late round selection, has also shown instances of potential. However, he too has yet to put a complete product on the field.

The thing about putting together a complete product on the field is, a player can not just run crisp routes and catch the ball. As constructed, the Raiders are set to pound the ball so it is just as critical for receivers to blcok. Further, without any star power a receiver can find plays in the screen, reverse, and trick play category. Moreover, the Raiders have a vacancy at punt and kick return which could emply any of the guys at the receiver position.

Too Early to Call Hayden a Bust

The big news out of Raiders’ Mini-camp has been the absence of last year’s 1st round pick D.J. Hayden. After being injured off and on last season, the corner back has  left many fans disappointed that he has been unable to stay on the field. So much disappointment that many people are already calling him a bust, but I am here to say lets simmer down.

I get Raider-nation wants to see what Reggie Mckenzie’s first No ! pick can do, but he is only entering his second off season. How can you call him a bust already, before he can even piece together a real season? The best argument would be that he might not be able to complete a full-season, and might just be an injury prone guy. Yet, lets not get ahead of ourselves, as injuries happen to every single player.

As Raider fans we grow nervous because of players like Darren McFadden who have broken our heart over and over again. Yet injuries are part of the game, and young players have to learn to deal with them. Silver innings are usually BS, but Hayden’s injury means he will be able to get mental reps that should help him when he can get out there again.

Out of all the players on the Roster, I think DJ Hayden needs these off season reps more than anyone. Hayden was out of football for an entire year due to his extreme chest injury, and he still needs time adapting to the speed of the game. However, the young player has shown he can deal with the adversity of injuries as he came in willing and ready to compete after each of his injuries.

In the past, Hayden has shown an injury will not keep him from competing. Nor will it discourage him from believing in his abilities. Hence, I hope he takes the time to get fully healed before the real season comes along, because that is when real lingering injuries occur.

Further, Hayden is still an extremely young player with a lot of upside. His speed and athleticism are something you can not teach, but his football iq and work ethic should keep fans believing he can live up to his potential. This season, he added fifteen pounds of muscle so his body could take the pounding of the NFL, which illustrates his work ethic.

As fans, it is frustrating that he is already out, but lets remember it is only mini-camp. They are still not actually playing football, so until Hayden misses some time in actual pads then I will worry. Other than that our secondary is going to need depth, so getting McGill and Chidekwa reps is just as important.

Either way it was too early in Hayden’s career and the 2014 season to label Hayden a bust. Our team wants and needs him, so lets be a little more fair to him and give his game and health a little more time before labeling him a bust.

Saying who we could have drafted last season does us no good. The fact is, Hayden was drafted to be a cornerstone of our defense and it is our job as fans to support him as he strives to meet that goal. Labeling him a bust does nothing good for a player we fans want to see succeed, especially this early.

2014 Draft shows Raiders building a Culture

Now that the dust has settled on the NFL Draft, rookie contracts, and rookie mini-camps the Oakland Raiders can be excited about their 2014 draft class. I have never been an advid supporter of GM Reggie McKenzie, however, he should be applauded for having a top-notch draft classes. Besides the talent he was able to obtain, McKenzie proved he has a plan by selecting players who were productive throughout college.

No. 5 draft pick, Khalil Mack was a dominate and physical player throughout his tenure at Buffalo. Eventhough he was the best player on the field most of the time, Mack worked his way to the top of the draft after being looked over during recruitment. Forget the scheme fit and team need Mack fills. Mack is exactly the hardworking cornerstone McKenzie wants to build the culture around. Combined with last year’s top draft pick, D.J. Hayden, the Oakland Raiders should have two leaders of their defense for years to come. Added, the stop-gap veteran players on the Oakland Raiders can hopefully pass some knowledge to the young faces of the Oakland Raiders. Even if Mack struggles growing his game to the NFL, there are veteran guys there who can help ease his transition into the NFL. One thing is for sure, Mack combines nastiness and a work ethic which should make him a dominate force in the league.

On day two of the draft, the Raiders followed consensus opinion by selecting Derek Carr. The Raiders lucked out with this pick. Not only did they get the pass-rusher they coveted at the top of the draft, but a local prospect and pro-ready quarterback tumbled down the draft pick and into the Raiders’ lap. Carr is a raw prospect, but he has an NFL ready arm. His mind should be able to adapt to Pro termenology and pro-defenses, because his brother should have been helping him out with that. Carr was productive throughout his career at Fresno State, and he has the big body the Raiders envision for their quarterback. The former bulldog threw for 50tds and only 9 ints in his final season. Hence, Carr is another highly productive player who has the potential to seize the starting role and become the offensive leader.

With their third selection of the 2014 Draft, McKenzie made a smart move by trading back and obtaining another draft pick. Gabe Jackson from Mississippi State, is not a household name. He should be to those who have watched SEC football the past few years. Jackson dominated the best conference in the NCAA, and should be an immediate starter. Moreover he can be a mauler for years to come, especially if they plan to build a bully on the offensive line.

Ellis on the defensive line is another big body with some good upside. He is a true nose tackle, and should assist the Raiders with their plan on having a versatile defense. Not only will he eat up blockers, but he will suprise people with his pass rush.

The next addition in Keith McGill also helped the Raiders continue their plan on adding versatile defensive backs. McGill’s skillset makes him a capable zone defender. He has the size and skill set to fit into the line-up, instantly. McGill is another blue-collar guy who worked as an auto mechanic. Hence he has the work ethic which will help the Raiders build the type of culture they want. Moreover, he is 25 and should be ready to compete and put food on his table.

In the Later rounds, the Raiders added a few more defensive backs, and a defensive end. The first of the team’s seventh round pick TJ Carrie has a good chance to be a returner, and is a local product from De La Salle. However the next two picks are some of the Raiders most intriguing players. Shelby Harris and Johnathan Dowling both had their own mistakes that lead to character concerns.

Hopefully both of those players can suck up some veteran wisdom from the rest of the time. Either of them could be key contributors at a bargain cost. Especially Dowling, he has the size and looked like a solid prospect at Florida before being dismissed by the team.

This last draft class is an indication that Reggie McKenzie has a plan. He is not easily rattled enough to reach for a pass-rusher or quarterback because of team need. Moreover, it shows that he is trying to build an entirely new culture in Oakland, which will be based hard working and highly productive players. However, it also showed he is not afraid to take a chance on a player late, as long as it entails competition on the roster. Hence, the entire draft showed the Oakland Raiders are building a highly competitive roster. They do not want to just sit back and wait for rookies to compete. Reggie Mckenzie is ready for the rookies to compete with veterans from the start.

In addition here is the podcast version: https://soundcloud.com/silverandblog/raiders-podcast-otas

Derek Carr starter sooner than later

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Don’t be surprised if Derek Carr wins the starting job headed into the season. Sure he is a rookie, but few quarterbacks are chatting up opposing defenses with their older professional brother.

I get NFL bloodlines do not mean much, but I think Carr’s learning curve is going to be less than other rookies. Added the Raiders have four capable recievers in Denarrius Moore, James Jones, Rod Streater, and Andre Holmes. Combined with Marcel Reece and Mycheal Rivera as the versatile mismatches, and the Raiders could actually run more spread style sets for Carr.

He threw a lot of screens in college, but did also run some pro sets. Further the running game and running backs are there to build around Carr. He brings more of a gunslinger mentality that will open up the playbook.

We seen it last season, when Pryor beat out Flynn. Schaub and Flynn are different quarterbacks, but the moral of the story is the coaching staff is not afraid to play the best player. Not to mention, Schaub and Flynn share the experience of quarterbacks loosing their starting jobs with their previous teams. Carr can capitalize on Schaub’s shaken confidence, and seize the attention of fans, coaches, and teammates.

Either-way, I would not be surprised if Derek Carr starts at some point in the middle of the season. You never want to wish injury on him, but you never know now-a-days. Plus, if the team struggles facing the toughest schedule in the league, then you roll with a big armed gunslinger like Carr, so he develop as the signal caller of the future.

Carr has already shown the intangibiles to be the quarterback of the future. Before he can do that, he has to be the quarterback of the now. He is a lot closer to that than the media or coaching staff leads on. Whatever the case, the first step of his journey begins by beating out Matt McGloin as the back up QB

Day Two still a lot of options for Raiders

via usa today

The Oakland Raiders added an impact offensive player in the first round of the draft, by selecting Khalil Mack. The Raiders built on that by selecting Derek Carr as their developmental quarterback of the future in Derek Carr.

Carr’s big-body and big-arm made him a candidate to be selected in the first round, so the value at 36 is tremendous. Added with Nor-cal connections and NFL Bloodlines, it seems like a no brainer that the Raidersselected Carr. However, there is still so much talent available that the Raiders can still nabb an impact player in the third round or trade back into the second.

Defensive Line

Mack’s addition solidifies the Raiders pass-rush, but they still need a force on the inside rotation. Lucky for them, them one with a first round grade are still on the board for a trade-up. Louis Nixx, and Timmy Jernigan are two disruptive forces on the inside. Any of these guys could warrant trading up, because they fill a need and provide immediate impact. However, They may even wait until the third round to select ASU’s Will Sutton, Notre Dame’s Stephon Tuitt, and Penn State’s Da Quan Jones who all would also be young upgrades on the inside.

Wide Recievers

Many slated the Raiders to select Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans at the top of the draft. Mack fell to them, and they did not second guess themselves. However, this is a very deep class. Allen Robinson, Cody Latimor, and Jordan Matthews are the big recievers Reggie McKenzie perfers, so any of them could be potential options to trade up for. Even if they do not elect to trade up and select a reciever in the second round, their are plenty of guys who may fall to the 3rd and possibly day 3. Donte Montecrief, Davante Adams, Paul Richardson, and Latarvius Murray are a little bit more raw then the guys mentioned above, but could have an equally high ceiling. The Raiders will probably only draft one of them if they are the best player available.

Defensive Backs
The Raiders still have a need in the defensive back field. Brock Vereen could be available as a safety in the third round. Otherwise they would be better off waiting for day 3 to select a safety. Jaylen Watkins would be a wanted slot corner/safety combo at the top of the third round. Bashaud Breeland, Keith McGill, Phillip Gaines, and Stanley Jean-Baptiste could all be other names to keep an eye on. They have Different skill sets but could be best players available when the third round comes along.

Offensive Line

The Raiders missed out on Bitinio and Suo Fila at the top of the second. However, centers Weston Richburg, Marcus Martin, and Travis Swanson could all be available when the Raiders select again in the third round

No Suprise if Raiders select Evans

Mike Evans showcases abilities and athletecism at NFL Scouting Combine, via SI.com

Many in the media, have predicted a for-gone conclusion that the Raiders will target Khalil Mack or Sammy Watkins with the fifth draft pick. Otherwise, the two may consider some of the elite tackles, but will likely trade down the board.

However, in the scenario that Mack and Watkins are off of the board, could the Raiders hold their water and select Mike Evans. NBC football talk reported the Raiders may lean towards Evans over Watkins, and another source broke their was a team in the top ten with similar thinking.

Well I have been adament about the Raiders selected Watkins, it would not suprise me if they select Evans even if Watkins is available.

The truth is, Reggie McKenzie likes big recievers. Evans could be the big possession reciever for Greg Olsen’s west coast offense. Sure they already have Rod Streater and Andre Holmes in that role, but who wouldn’t want another big reciever as there is a trend of defensive backs getting bigger and more physical.

McKenzie already admitted in interest in the one and one a recievers of this class of Evans and Watkins. He said he would take their great abilities over the rest of the classes’ good abilities anydays.

While Watkins may be the more polished and pro ready reciever, Evans seems to have more upside, with a 6’5 frame and fast fourty time. He does not offer the same value as Watkins in space and returning, but Evans has plenty of god given talent.

It is tough to evaluate him, because he played with Johnny Manziel. Just as many times as he took over games with big plays, he also dissapperead. No one is sure if Evans made Manziel or vice versa, but both have value at the next level.

However, this could just as well be a smoke screen to increase leverage at trading out of their pick. Or it could be a method to hide the Raiders’ interest, whom the media thinks they have predicted.

Ideally, either Watkins or Evans would be needed additions to a Raiders’ offense which is desperate for an identity. Matt Schaub should be happy to get either of these guys, but it would not suprise me if the Raiders stay at five and select Evans over Watkins.

Even if it is a reach, McKenzie proved last season, he is willing to get the player he wants even if it is at a higher cost. Whatever the decision is, hopefully it pans out for McKenzie, because this will be his defining draft selection.

Bridgewater’s fall signifies value of QB class

via google images
Draft Day is finally here! As informed fans we have been hearing the same talk over the past few months.

Who’s falling, who’s rising, and who faired well at the Pro-day.

One of those players who heard that talk was Teddy Bridgewater. During the season, Bridgewater was the consensus top quarterback in the college football. He only threw four interceptions, and helped lead his team to a bowl game.

Fast forward to the pre-draft process, and guys are talking about him going in the second round. It is a pretty steep fall considering Bridgewater has not played a single down of football since people considered him a candidate for the top pick.

They have said he has small hands, his football knowledge is not impressive, he can not lead a franchise, he is not accurant, his arm strength is unimpressive, he can not read defenses, and his frame is too small.

All of this has knocked down Bridgewater’s stock from Mike Mayock to Mel Kiper. However, could Bridgewaters tumble down draft boards be a sign of this entire draft class rather than him as a player.

Many have called this draft one of the deepest in years, especially at the skill positions. There are all kind of playmakers in this draft. Hence, it should be no suprise if the value of quarterback as a whole goes down. The defensive side of the ball is not as deep, so I expect teams to pick those players up early and often well waiting to later rounds for offensive skill players.

While this class does have talented skill players, quarterbacks are the position with the most question marks. From Johnny Manziel, Derek Carr, and Blake Bortes to the quarterbacks expected to go in later rounds, each one has their different risks at the next level.

Bridgewater was once thought to have the least amount of risk, but that seems to not be the case. Hence, it would not suprise me if this entire quarterback class slipped to later rounds. Last draft, E.J. Mannuel was the only quarterback selected in the first round, and that was considered a reach by the Bills. Geno Smith felt the same type of fall Bridgewater is facing, as he stumbled to the second round.

My other point is this, maybe Bridgewater and this quarterback class was never that high to begin. It was media who built Bridgewater up, and it is media who is knocking him down. As more and more underclassmen declare for the draft each year, media face an even bigger learner curve trying to catch up to teams with dedicated scouting units. Hence maybe Bridgewater’s draft stock hasn’t fallen, because it was never that high to begin with. Maybe media is only now putting him and quarterback classmates right where they finally belong, in the second round.

In closing, it would not suprise me if Bridgewater falls to the second round, neither would it suprise me if he is selected in the top ten. The same could be said about each of the quarterbacks in this draft. However, the team which grabs Bridgewater in the second round, will be getting a pro-ready, leader and draft day still. I am just finally glad to see what happens, because its draft day…. and we get that much closer to Footbal!!!!

Full Mock Draft

Everyone is coming out with a Mock Draft, as the Draft is tomorrow. However, I have worked on this mock for a while. Unlike most people I let a lot of the talk finish, let free agency happen, and let pro-days happen. Might get some flack for this, but let me know what you think.

 

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1    1    1    Houston    Jadaveon Clowney, Defensive End, South Carolina

Clowney is combination of speed and explosiveness which only comes around once a decade.. Pairing him with J.J. Watt gives Houston a juggernaut pass rush.

1    2    2    St. Louis    Greg Robinson, Tackle, Auburn

Jake Long is coming off of an injury, and protecting Sam Bradford is a priority. The last time they selected a Tackle, No. 2 it turned out horrible, but Robinson is one the best players in the entire draft.

1    3    3    Jacksonville    Khalil Mack, Linebacker, Buffalo

Gus Bradley has won his players and many people in the media. Bradley is building something in Jacksonville, so there is no need to reach for a quarterback here. Mack is a dominant pass rusher to utilize against the division rival Colts who have Andrew Luck.

1    4    4    Cleveland    Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback, Louisville

Bridgewater has taken a lot of heat in this pre-draft process. However, his game tape shows him as the best quarterback available. The Browns need a quarterback and should grab the best one rather then wait for the end of the first like they did when they selected Brandan Weeden and Brady Quinn.

1    5    5    Oakland    Sammy Watkins, Receiver, Clemson

Watkins is the most pro-ready receiver in a deep class. The Raiders desperately need playmakers, so why not get the best? He complements the rest of the receiving corps and gives Schaub plenty of throwing options

1    6    6    Atlanta                Jake Matthews, Tackle, Texas A&M

No pass rushers fall to Atlanta, so they grab the best player available. Protecting Matt Ryan is critical, and Matthews has  a lot of potential.

1    7    7    Tampa Bay    Mike Evans, Receiver, Texas A&M

Why not pair two large and dominate recievers, with Vincent Jackson and Evans. Evans can do everything with his size and speed, so he is the best player available.

1    8    8    Minnesota    Derek Carr, Quarterback, Fresno St.

This might be high for Carr, but he has one of the biggest arms out of all the quarterbacks. The Vikings need a quarterback, and Carr will benefit from a season learning with Matt Cassell.

1    9    9    Buffalo                Eric Ebron, Tight End, North Carolina

Ebron is freak at tight end. E.J Manuel needs as many weapons as possible. May be too high for Ebron, but the best receivers are already taken

1    10    10    Detroit                Taylor Lewan,  Tackle, Michigan

The local kid, and best player available. Lewan is nasty and should fit nicely for the lions.

1    11    11    Tennessee    Justin Gilbert, Corner, Oklahoma St.

They lost Alterraun Verner who was their pro-bowl cornerback. Gilbert is the consensus top corner and if he is available the Titans should not think twice.

1    12    12    New York Giants Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburg   

Giants get an achor for their defensive line after losing Justin Tuck and Linvai Joseph to free agency. This makes sense for the Giants and for Donald

1    13    13    St. Louis     Calvin Pryor, Safety, Louisville

The Rams need help in the secondary, and Pryor has the highest ceiling of the top Safeties. HaHa Clinton may be the most pro-ready safety, but Pryor could wind up with the better career.

1    14    14    Chicago     C.J. Mosley, Linebacker, Alabama

The Bears’ defense is transitioning into a new era, so Mosley can be the face for years to come.He is a smart and physical linebacker, which is something the Bears have always coveted.

1    15    15    Pittsburgh     Anthony Barr, Linebacker, UC Los Angeles

Pittsburgh loves pass rushers, and landing one with as much upside as Barr is too much to pass up. He would be a nice scheme fit, and an immediate pass rushing threat.

1    16    16    Dallas                 HaHa Clinton, Safety, Alabama

The Cowboys have needed a safety the past few season. Clinton in the mid round is solid value, and he has enough experience to contribute from day one.

1    17    17    Baltimore     Zach Martin, Tackle, Notre Dame

Baltimore is a tough selection. Having lost Michael Ohr in free agency, Martin is a pro ready right tackle or guard for a team that needs help opening lanes in the running game.

1    18    18    New York Jets     Odell Beckham Jr. Receiver, Louisiana State

Beckham does a lot on the field for an offense and special teams. Whoever is quarterback needs more weapons. Beckham adds some much needed explosion to the Jets offense.

1    19    19    Miami                 Timmy Jernigan, Defensive Tackle Florida State

From their own backyard, they snag a big and athletic nose tackle. This may be high for the Jernigan, but he is coming off a dominate year and national championship.

1    20    20    Arizona    Blake Bortes, QB, Arizona

Great news for Arizona. A big body and big arm quarterback falls into their lap. Bortes is a raw prospect, but the Cardinals can give him a year or two to learn the ropes of the NFL.

1    21    21    Green Bay     Ra’ Shede Hageamon, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota

Green Bay desperately needs athletes on defense, and he is a monster. Hagemon’s value falls all over the place, but his potential is too much for Green Bay to pass up, here.

1    22    22    Philadelphia     Brandin Cooks, Receiver, Oklahoma State

The Eagles need a receiver, since they let go of Desean Jackson, Chip Kelly loves speed and Cooks is a speedster who can plays anywhere on the field. Eagles go out and get a guy who can make an immediate impact, despite the depth at receiver in the class.

1    23    23    Kansas City     Marqis Lee, Receiver, Southern California

The Knock on Marqis Lee is he does not dominate any one aspect of the game. His hands may be shakey at times, but he can make plays on special teams and on offense. Lee will thrive in the number two role across from Dwayne Bowe.

1    24    24    Cincinnati     Kyle Fuller, Corner Back, Virginia Tech,

Fuller has the most potential of the corners remaining. The Bengals need some youth in their secondary, and Fuller should have time to learn.

1    25    25    San Diego     Brandon Roby, Corner Back, Ohio State

Roby comes with some off-field issues, but has flashed dominance at times. San Diego desperately needs a corner and Robys potential is too much to pass.

1    26    26    Cleveland     Darqueze Dennard, Corner Back, Michigan State

Dennard is knocked for not having a high ceiling at the next level. Combined with limited athletic abilities, there are questions about him relying too much on physical play. In this spot though he can be Joe Hayden’s counterpart.

1    27    27    New Orleans     Dee Ford, Defensive End, Auburn

If Dee Ford can do any one thing it is rush the quarterback. New Orleans needs a pass rusher, even if there are questions about Ford’s size.

1    28    28    Carolina     Morgan Moses, Offensive Tackle, Virginia Tech

Carolina’s most noted subtraction is Steve Smith, but they also lost their pro bowl left tackle. Moses has the skills to be a dominant offensive linemen, and Cam Newton could use the help.

1    29    29    New England     Louis Nixx III

30    San Francisco     Jason Verrett, Cornerback, Texas Christian

Verrett may be undersized but his game tape doesn’t tell that. He is a value for the nickel corner, and the niners needed a corner after Carlos Rodgers left. Despite his under six foot frame, Verrett competes and the niners will like that.

1    31    31    Denver                 Ryan Shazier, Linebacker, Ohio State

Shakier had a highly decorated career in college. His run instincts would be a great addition to defense poised for a playoff run.

1    32    32    Seattle                 Kony Ealy, Defensive End, Missouri

Seattle lost many components of their pass-rush to free agency. It should be their top priority, and they should be happy to grab Ealy who is a well-rounded football player.

2    1    33    Houston    Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&M

Everyone talks about Manziel being the next Drew Brees or Russell Wilson. Yet, those guys were not drafted in the top of the draft. Manziel shouldn’t be either, so the top of the second round is great value.

2    2    34    Washington    Jimmy Ward Safety, Northern Illinois

2    3    35    Cleveland    Davonte Adams, Reciever, Fresno State

2    4    36    Oakland    Kyle Van Noy, linebacker, BIrmingham Young

2    5    37    Atlanta                Demarcus Lawrence, Linebacker, Boise State

2    6    38    Tampa Bay    Jawuan James, Tackle, Tennessee

2    7    39    Jacksonville    Zach Metternberger, Quarterback, Louisiana State

2    8    40    Minnesota    Xavier Su’a Fila, Offensive Guard, UC Los Angeles

2    9    41    Buffalo                Cyrus Kouandijio, Tackle, Alabama

2    10    42    Tennessee    Jeremy Hill, Running Back, Louisiana State

2    11    43    N.Y. Giants    Allen Robinson, Reciever, Penn State

2    12    44    St. Louis    Kelvin Benjamin, Wide Reciever, Florida State

2    13    45    Detroit                Jace Amaro, Tight End, Texas A&M

2    14    46    Pittsburgh    Donte Moncrief, Reciever, Ole Miss

2    15    47    Dallas                Scott Chrinton, Defensive End, Oregen State

2    16    48    Baltimore    Cody Latimor, Reciever, Indiana

2    17    49    N.Y. Jets    Joel Bitinio, Guard, Nevada

2    18    50    Miami                Jack Mewhort, Tackle, Ohio State

2    19    51    Chicago    Phillip Gaines, Cornerback, Rice

2    20    52    Arizona    Deone Buchanon, Safety, Washington State

2    21    53    Green Bay     Austin Sefred Jenkins,Tight end, Washington

2    22    54    Philadelphia    Stephon Tuitt, Defensive Tackle, Notre Dame

2    23    55    Cincinnati    Cameron Flemming, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

2    24    56    San Francisco    from K.c. Dominique Easley, Defensive Tackle, Flordida

2    25    57    San Diego    Jeremiah Attaochu, Linebacker, Georgia Tech

2    26    58    New Orleans    Weston Richburg, Center, Colorado State

2    27    59    Indianapolis    Carl Bradford, Linebacker, Arizona State

2    28    60    Carolina    Martavis Murphy, Reciever, Clemson

2    29    61    San Francisco    Marcus Martin, Center, USC

2    30    62    New England    Jordan Matthews, Wide Reciever, Vanderbilt

    31    63    Denver                Charles Simms, Running Back, West Virginia

2    32    64    Seattle                Marcus Smith, Defensive End, Louisville

3    1    65    Houston    Tre Mason, Running Back, Auburn

3    2    66    Washington    Chris Smith, Defensive End, Arkansas

3    3    67    Oakland    Will Sutton, Defensive Tackle, Arizona State

3    4    68    Atlanta                Troy Niklas, tight end, Notre Dame

3    5    69    Tampa Bay    Gabe Jackson, Guard, Mississippi State

3    6    70    Jacksonville    Bishop Sankey, Running Back, Washington

3    7    71    Cleveland    Kareem Martin, Defensive End, North Carolina

3    8    72    Minnesota    Vereen Brock, Safety, Minnesota

3    9    73    Buffalo                Jarvis Landry, Reciever, Louisiana State

3    10    74    N.Y. Giants    Carlos Hyde, Running. Back, Ohio State

3    11    75    St. Louis    A.J Mccarron, Quarterback, Alabama

3    12    76    Detroit                Keith McGill, Cornerback, Utah

3    13    77    San Francisco    from Tennessee Stanley-Jean Baptiste, Corner, Nebraska

3    14    78    Dallas               Paul Richardson,Reciever, Colorado

3    15    79    Baltimore    Terrence Brooks, Safety, Florida State

3    16    80    N.Y. Jets    Dion Bailey, Safety, Southern California

3    17    81    Miami               Ego Ferguson, Defensive Tackle, Louisiana State

3    18    82    Chicago    George Uko, Defensive Tackle, Southern California

3    19    83    Cleveland    from Pittsburgh Chris Boreland, linebacker, Wisconsin

3    20    84    Arizona    Bruce Ellington, Receiver, South Carolina

3    21    85    Green Bay    Jared Abbredis, Receiver, Wisconsin

3    22    86    Philadelphia    Christian Kirskey,  Linebacker, Missouri

3    23    87    Kansas City    Dakota Dozier, Guard, Furman

3    24    88    Cincinnati    Trent Murphy, Defensive End, Stanford

3    25    89    San Diego    DaQuan Jones, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

3    26    90    Indianapolis    Brandon Coleman, Receiver, Louisville

3    27    91    New Orleans    Marcus Roberson, CornerBack, Florida

3    28    92    Carolina    Jaylen Watkins, Cornerback, Florida

3    29    93    New England    Travis Swanson, center, Arkansas

3    30    94    San Francisco    Telvin Smith,  Linebacker, Safety, Southern California

3    31    95    Denver               David Yankey, Guard Stanford

3    32    96    Minnesota    from Seattle Bashaud Breeland, cornerback, Clemson

3    33    97    Pittsburgh    compensatory pick Pierre Desir, cornerback, Lidenwood

3    34    98    Green Bay    compensatory pick Craig. Loston Safety, Louisiana

3    35    99    Baltimore    compensatory pick Lashead Seastrunk, running back, Baylor

3    36    100    San Francisco    compensatory pick Jimmy Garoppolo,